Interview with Jalen Bailey
Jalen’s Bakery
Jalen Bailey - Founder at 8 years old
California, USA
Jalen, aged 10, grew up making memories baking with his mother in the kitchen. Back then he never knew that that passion was going to lead to him expanding his knowledge and understanding of business, until he was finally ready to start his own, Jalen’s Bakery. With his mum by his side, he has jumped from strength to strength, starting up his own sugary bakery business and meeting others equally as passionate as himself. Jalen believes strongly in philanthropy and has initiated drives to raise money for those less fortunate. As his business grows, as does Jaden’s willingness to make a change for better!
With such huge dreams at such a young age, we at Kebloom couldn’t help but reach out to this driven entrepreneur and ask him questions about his journey.
1) How would you best describe Jalen’s Bakery?
I would describe Jalen’s Bakery as a unique business, mostly because everything is geared for inspiring kids to chase their dreams. We not only serve made-from-scratch baked goods, but we also have pop up shops where kids are invited to work with the team in order to learn about business as well.
“It will get hard sometimes but just remember why you started and don’t give up.”
2) What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
My mom is my biggest supporter and the very reason I was able to explore my interest in entrepreneurship. My grannie was an entrepreneur and she taught my mom, then my mom home-schooled me and taught me about entrepreneurship as well.
3) Who supported you in creating/building your business?
My mom has been and will always be my biggest supporter in life and business. She encourages me to do whatever I set my mind to and helps me learn. Everyone should have someone like that in his or her life. But if you don’t, my mom and I created an inspirational pep talk that can be downloaded and encourages starting and expanding your business.
“Follow your dreams! Do not listen to anyone that tries to make you feel like you can’t do it.”
4) What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?
Follow your dreams! Do not listen to anyone that tries to make you feel like you can’t do it.
Surround yourself with people that believe in you and show up to help your business with more action than words.
It will get hard sometimes but just remember why you started and don’t give up.
It’s also ok to change your path every now and again, but don’t give up on the destination.
5) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
Speaking and working with others helps me to be able to perfect my craft. Having a platform helps to widen my audience so that I can inspire more people around the world. Thank you!
6) What has been the best part about starting up a business?
Being able to give to other families and teaching other kids has been one of the best parts of starting a business. I’ve also been given awards, recognition for my philanthropy as well as been able to travel and speak to kids and people in ways that I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.
7) What skills have you developed since being an entrepreneur?
I’ve become better at communicating and networking. I’ve also learnt a little bit about marketing, branding and other things business.
About the Author:
Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.